Beloved Coach Buddy Geis Passes Away at 79, Leaving Lasting Legacy

Neptune Beach, USA - In an unfortunate turn of events, the world of football has lost a true legend. Wayne „Buddy“ Geis, a prominent figure in coaching, passed away at the age of 79 after a brave battle with leukemia. An Altoona native, Geis was a proud graduate of Altoona Area High School, where he made his mark in both football and baseball before embarking on a remarkable coaching journey. The memories of his vibrant personality and athletic prowess resonate with many, as former teammates Ron Johnston and Vince Nedimyer fondly recalled his impactful presence on and off the field.

Throughout his illustrious coaching career, Geis garnered a wealth of experience across college and professional football. He began his journey as a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona from 1974 to 1976, before moving on to a role at Tulane University where he made a significant impact from 1977 to 1982. As a wide receivers coach at Tulane, he was instrumental in recruiting talent, including standout George Geishauser, which set the stage for his later successes in the NFL.

A Coaching Career Spanning Decades

Geis’s coaching career truly took off when he became head coach at the University of Kansas in 1983. He wasn’t finished there; he went on to coach the USFL’s Jacksonville Bulls from 1984 to 1985, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. His NFL stint began with the Green Bay Packers from 1988 to 1991, where he worked under head coach Lindy Infante. There, he developed All-Pro receiver Sterling Sharpe, who enjoyed a spectacular career under Geis’s guidance, achieving remarkable stats over four seasons. The connection between the two exemplifies the lasting impact Geis had on his players‘ lives.

Following his success with the Packers, Buddy Geis transitioned to the Indianapolis Colts, where he worked with quarterback Jim Harbaugh, contributing to Harbaugh’s impressive career rating during their time together. Later, as quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Geis led the team to a notable achievement: their quarterbacks threw just 21 interceptions over two seasons, the lowest in the NFL at that time. This trend of success continued during his tenure as associate head coach and wide receivers coach at Georgia Tech, where he mentored none other than Calvin Johnson, who became a three-time first-team All-American and won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award in 2006.

The Legacy of Buddy Geis

Geis leaves behind not just a profound football legacy, but a loving family as well. He is survived by his wife Jere, their children, and grandchildren, all of whom he stayed deeply connected to throughout his life. His roots in Altoona remained strong, as he continued to take pride in his hometown, which celebrated his achievements by inducting him into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Buddy Geis’s story is a reminder of how one individual can make a profound difference in the lives of so many. He exemplified what it means to be a mentor and a leader. It’s evident that Buddy Geis joined the ranks of coaching legends who have successfully navigated the waters of both college football and the NFL. His ability to adapt and thrive at both levels is a journey documented throughout football history, as noted in various discussions on the nuances of coaching in different competitive environments. Geis will be missed not just by family and friends, but by the countless players and fellow coaches who were fortunate enough to learn from his rich experience.

As the football community reflects on his remarkable career, we must celebrate the life of Wayne “Buddy” Geis, a man who not only excelled in the world of sports but also inspired many through his coaching philosophy and genuine spirit. In the words of those who knew him, there’s something to be said for a life well-lived, and Buddy Geis epitomized that sentiment in every game, every practice, and every interaction he shared.